Chapter 3: Responsible Choices

SECTION 3.1Consumer EthicsSECTION 3.2 ResponsibleCitizenshipSECTION 3.3 EnvironmentalAwareness

• As you read this chapter, create an outline using thecolored headings.

• Write a question for eachheading to help guide yourreading.

• Write the answer to eachquestion as you read thechapter.

• Ask your teacher to help withanswers you cannot find inthe text.

S E C T I O N 3 . 1

ConsumerEthics

As a consumer, you expect the busi-nesses you deal with to be honest andto treat you with respect and fairness.In return, you have an obligation to behonest, respectful, and fair towardbusinesses, their employees, and otherconsumers.

THE MEANING OF ETHICSEvery society has general principles that define what is

good and right. Guidelines for human behavior based onprinciples about what is right and wrong are called ethics.Examples of ethical principles include honesty, trustworthi-ness, respect, fairness, concern for the welfare of others, andresponsibility for one’s actions and their consequences.

Ethical behavior involves the ability to tell right fromwrong and the commitment to do what is right. What isright is not necessarily what is easiest or most convenientfor you. In fact, it may be the opposite. Returning an emptyshopping cart to its designated place, rather than leaving itwhere it blocks traffic, may seem like a nuisance—but itshows respect and responsibility.

Consumers make decisions based on ethics every day.These decisions reflect the type of people they are. What doyour actions say about you? Your behavior with salespeopleand fellow consumers is a good place to look for answers.

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Objectives

After studying this section, youshould be able to:• Explain the meaning of ethics.• Give guidelines for consumer

courtesy.• Describe the costs of shoplifting.• Analyze the role of ethics in

consumer decisions.

Key Termsethicsshoplifting

76 • CHAPTER 3 Responsible Choices

• The supermarket. Would you want tobuy a jar of pickles that another shopperhad opened and sampled? How aboutfruit that had been squeezed and tossedaround roughly, or ice cream that some-one had left on a shelf to melt? Items thatare damaged by careless shoppers must bethrown away, which wastes food and leadsto price increases.

• Public transportation. When you buya ticket to ride a bus, train, or ferry, you’reentitled to one seat. Piling shopping bagson empty seats, especially while other pas-sengers are forced to stand, is selfish. Ifyou see a person standing who is older,pregnant, or disabled, offer your seat.Being loud and disruptive is not onlyrude, it can distract the driver and causean accident. See Figure 3-1.

• The salon. Suppose you had a haircutscheduled, but you couldn’t keep theappointment. What would you do? Youshould call—preferably at least 24 hoursahead—and cancel. If you don’t, youdeprive your hairdresser of earnings. Youalso deprive other clients who may havewanted your time slot.

CONSUMER COURTESYTreating others with respect requires

being courteous and considerate. Basic cour-tesy at any time includes honoring the rulesof the establishment, not using foul lan-guage, and waiting your turn. In particular,show courtesy to retail staff and customerservice personnel, whether you interact withthem in person, on the phone, or by email. Ifyou have a request or complaint, don’t raiseyour voice or use threats or insults. You’remuch more likely to get the results you wantby being calm and respectful.

Here are some other courtesy guidelinesfor common situations. How does yourbehavior measure up? What other guidelinescan you add?

3-1

Treating others with respect includes

being courteous and considerate. How

can you practice courtesy when using

public transportation?

Section 3.1 Consumer Ethics • 77

• The clothing store. When trying onclothes, do you follow the fitting roomrules? Leaving clothing in a heap on thefloor can damage the items and is incon-siderate to other customers and storeemployees.

• The restaurant. Good table mannerswill be appreciated by your fellow diners.In a fast-food place, clear the table whenyou’re through so others can use it. In asit-down restaurant, remember to leave atip for the server.

DISHONEST PRACTICESWhen was the last time a sales clerk gave

you back too much change? What did youdo? It certainly can be tempting to keep theextra money. However, that would be dis-honest because the money belongs to thestore. Dishonesty is a violation of other peo-ple’s trust. Consumers who are dishonestcreate hardship for everyone.

ShopliftingMerchants lose millions of dollars each

year to shoplifting, the theft of merchandisefrom stores. In addition to the direct losses,merchants must spend large sums on theft-prevention measures such as inventory track-ing systems, merchandise tags, cameras, andsecurity guards. See Figure 3-2. Because of

these losses and expenses, retailers sometimeshave to lay off employees or freeze new hir-ing. Some retailers are forced out of business.

Every consumer is harmed by shoplifting,too. The average family pays hundreds ofdollars a year in the form of higher pricescharged by merchants to make up for retailtheft. Customers must also put up with secu-rity procedures that can be inconvenient. Forexample, bags may have to be checked at thefront desk, and limits may be set on dressingroom items.

Shoplifting carries a high price for thosewho try it. When shoplifters are caught, theconsequences can include arrest, fines, jailtime, and a criminal record. Just as shatteringcan be the damage to one’s reputation andthe shame and embarrassment caused tooneself, family, and friends.

3-2

Some businesses install complex security

systems to prevent theft. Do you think

store owners are justified in monitoring

shoppers? Why or why not?


• Returning used goods. Imaginesomeone returning a dress to the store fora refund after she’s already worn it to theprom. Would you want to be the personwho pays top dollar for this used dress?

• Price switching. A jacket is on sale for$90. What happens if a dishonest cus-tomer takes the sale tag and puts it onanother jacket that costs $150? Either thestore or the next shopper—who could beyou—is cheated out of $60.

• Fare beating. Sneaking into trains,buses, or theaters without paying is dis-honest and results in higher prices foreveryone. Unpaid fares reduce theamount of money available to run publictransportation systems, so service mayhave to be cut back. People who arecaught fare beating are often charged witha crime.

• Using copyrighted material with-out permission. Music files, pictures,articles, and other materials you find onthe Internet or elsewhere are not necessar-ily free for the taking. Copyright laws givecontrol over their use—and the right toprofit from them—to the people andcompanies who invested time, effort, andmoney in producing and distributingthese materials. “Sharing” creative worksis really stealing, and it could preventsomeone from making a living.

Other Dishonest PracticesShoplifting is not the only dishonest prac-

tice that harms businesses and consumers.Other examples include:

• Snacking in the grocery store. Thegrapes may look juicy and delicious.Should you pop a few into your mouth?Eating food you haven’t paid for is thesame as shoplifting. Don’t sample food ingrocery stores unless the store invites youto. See Figure 3-3.

3-3

Bulk food bins are a convenience and

provide cost savings for consumers.

They’re not an invitation to sample

the merchandise. Why is snacking in

the store the same as shoplifting?

Section 3.1 Consumer Ethics • 79

ETHICAL ISSUES FORCONSUMERS

Consumers sometimes face another kindof ethical decision. Suppose one day you readan article that’s critical of a particular com-pany’s business practices. Perhaps the articlesays the company’s workers aren’t beingtreated fairly or that the company isn’t doingas much to protect the environment as itshould. It just so happens that this companymakes one of your favorite products.

What would you do in this situation? Howwould you feel about continuing to buy theproduct? If you disagree with the company’spolicies, how could you help bring aboutchange in an ethical way? On the other hand,what if the article omits or distorts facts topaint an unfair picture? Thoughtfully exam-ining issues such as these is not always easy,but it’s part of being an ethical consumer. SeeFigure 3-4.

Section 3.1 Review

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1. Define ethics and give examples of ethicalprinciples.

2. Explain three guidelines for consumercourtesy.

3. How does shoplifting hurt others?

CONSUMER APPLICATIONAn Ethical Decision Write a brief skit orstory in which a consumer chooses to actethically rather than unethically. Explainwhy the person’s actions demonstrateethical consumer behavior.

3-4 Some consumers boycott—refuse

to buy from—companies whose actions

concern them. For example, if an

environmental group believes that a

company’s policies contribute to the

destruction of rainforests, a boycott might

be organized against the company’s

products.

S E C T I O N 3 . 2

ResponsibleCitizenship

Besides being a consumer, you’re alsoa citizen—of a community, a country,and the world. Being a citizen givesyou both privileges and obligations.What are these obligations? What doesit mean to be a responsible citizen?

THE MEANING OF CITIZENSHIP

Being a citizen means giving allegiance to a governmentin return for protection by it. One can become a citizen ofa nation by birth (by being born in that country) orthrough naturalization, the process by which a foreign-born person becomes a citizen. In addition tobeing a citizen of your country, you are a citizen of yourstate and community. You also share common needs andgoals with many people around the world.

Citizenship means more than simply being a citizen. Itrefers to the way you respond to being a member of a com-munity or other group. Citizenship is an active process.Good citizens fulfill social responsibilities and act in anethical manner. They care about others and contribute totheir well-being. When people give something beneficial tosociety, they feel connected to others in their communities.

Objectives

After studying this section, youshould be able to:• Explain civic duties and

responsibilities of citizenship.• Describe ways to be of service

to your community.• Analyze the benefits of cooper-

ation, teamwork, and leader-ship skills.

Key Termsnaturalizationcitizenshipvandalismvolunteerleadership

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Good citizens don’t expect their positiveactions to always be noticed or rewarded.What matters to them most is that they striveto make the world better.

PERFORMING CIVICDUTIES

U.S. citizenship carries with it certain civicobligations. Some are required, while othersare voluntary. Nevertheless, they are all partof being a good citizen.

• Respect the law. Laws are designed toprotect citizens and ensure fair treatment.You are obligated to follow laws even ifyou don’t agree with them.

Section 3.2 Responsible Citizenship • 81

• Pay taxes. Taxes are imposed by thegovernment to pay for the services it pro-vides to citizens. Citizens have the obliga-tion to pay their full share of taxes.

• Vote. Voting is a privilege. In many partsof the world, people can’t vote in free elec-tions and therefore have no voice in theirgovernment. To participate in elections,U.S. citizens must be at least 18 years oldand registered to vote. See Figure 3-5.

• Stay informed. Voters have a responsi-bility to be well informed. To decide intel-ligently on an issue, they must assess thearguments on all sides. To choose politicalleaders who will represent their views,they must learn where candidates standon the issues.

• Perform jury duty when called.Jurors play a vital role in the justice sys-tem. They listen to the evidence presentedin a trial and then reach a verdict based onthat evidence. Citizens who are at least 18years old, understand the English lan-guage, and have not been convicted of afelony are eligible for jury duty.

• Serve in the military if called. Intimes of war or crisis, citizens may becalled on to help provide national defense.The Selective Service System, an agency ofthe U.S. government, maintains a list ofnames from which to draw in case Con-gress and the President call for rapidexpansion of the armed forces. Most

3-5

Registering to vote is the first step to

participation in elections. Find out where

and how people in your community can

register to vote.


• Clean up public property. Join in acommunity cleanup to beautify yourcommunity and to keep it safe.

VandalismVandalism is the deliberate destruction of

property. Graffiti, broken windows, defacedpublic restrooms, and missing traffic signscontribute to higher taxes, increased crime,community members’ fear, and sometimesinjury and death. You can participate in orhelp start a neighborhood watch program toreduce the incidence of vandalism.

Internet vandalism includes actions suchas releasing computer viruses, breaking intoconfidential databases, and shutting downWeb sites. These actions take their toll on theeconomy due to lost income and added costsfor businesses and other organizations.

young men are required to register withthe Selective Service within 30 days oftheir 18th birthday.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITYAs a member of your community, you are

one of its “owners.” You have a responsibilityto care for public property, to use publicservices wisely, and to help keep your com-munity safe, clean, and healthy.

• Observe community regulations.Follow the rules posted at parks andswimming pools to protect everyone’ssafety. Obey all traffic laws.

• Cooperate during a crisis. For exam-ple, during a drought, citizens might beasked or told to refrain from wateringtheir lawns or washing their cars. Every-one’s cooperation is needed.

• Respect public service employees.Give way to emergency vehicles such asambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.Slow down and give highway workersplenty of room.

• Report maintenance problems. Ifyou see unsafe playground equipment or abroken streetlight, for example, contactcity authorities so they can be repaired.

• Take responsibility for pets. Cleanup after your pet and obey leash laws.Report stray animals to animal controlofficers. See Figure 3-6.

3-6

Protect your pet and other people and

animals by observing community leash

laws. Name some other ways you can be

a responsible member of your community.

Section 3.2 Responsible Citizenship • 83

SERVING OTHERSReaching out to provide service offers an

extra opportunity to make a difference inyour community. Many Americans routinelydonate a portion of their income to worthycauses. They support nonprofit organiza-tions that serve the needy, provide publicservices, promote education or the arts, orfund medical research, for example. In addi-tion to money, many groups need materialgoods. You can donate furniture and appli-ances to homeless shelters, clothing andbooks to overseas aid organizations, andbags of groceries to food banks.

Volunteer ServiceOne of the most rewarding ways to help

others is to donate your time, skills, and tal-ents by volunteering. A volunteer is a personwho offers services to a worthwhile cause forno pay. Each year more than 100 millionAmericans, including millions of teens, dovolunteer work. See Figure 3-7.

Volunteering your time and servicerequires commitment, so do careful researchto determine where you’d most like to volun-teer. Consider whether you want to workwith a particular group of people or for aspecific cause that you’re passionate about.Also think about what skills you have andhow they could be used to benefit someone.Finally, consider your schedule. Whether youdecide you can volunteer two hours eachweek or each month, follow through withyour commitment.

Finding the right place tovolunteer isn’t difficult. Askyour teachers or other adultsyou know. Look in the newspa-per, telephone book, or on theInternet for organizations orgroups in your area that do thekind of work that interests you.Then just pick up the phoneand ask whether they could useanother volunteer.

3-7

You can take responsibility for your

neighborhood by organizing a group of

volunteers to clean up graffiti and pick

up litter.


Leadership qualities can be learned. Lookaround you for someone who personifiesgood leadership and make this person yourrole model. To give your leadership skills ajump-start, consider getting involved in stu-dent government or becoming an officer in aschool club. Family, Career and CommunityLeaders of America (FCCLA) is a nationalorganization that provides many opportuni-ties to build leadership skills. You can readmore about FCCLA on page 120.

TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Being involved in your community willprovide you with plenty of opportunities todevelop skills in cooperation, teamwork, andleadership. When you participate in a groupventure, you and other members cooperatewith one another to achieve the group’sgoals. Teamwork—with each team memberdoing his or her part to reach those goals—isessential to success. At times you must bewilling to compromise, giving up some ofwhat you want for the good of the group.

You might, in some cases, assume a lead-ership role. Leadership involves the abilityto inform and guide others. Effective leadersidentify group goals and commit to achiev-ing them. They confidently direct decisionmaking, listen to ideas and concerns, andwork to solve conflicts. They build teamspirit by showing their appreciation for allwho contribute. See Figure 3-8.

Section 3.2 Review


1. Why is voting important?

2. Describe three ways to use public prop-erty or services responsibly.

3. How do the qualities of a good leaderbenefit the group?

CONSUMER APPLICATIONVolunteer Opportunities Compile a list ofprofessional and youth organizations thatwelcome the help of teen volunteers. Whatare their purposes and functions? What aretheir specific needs? Share the list withother students in your school.

3-8

In times of trouble, effective leaders

pull people together to solve problems

and renew community spirit. Who is

your leadership role model? Why?

S E C T I O N 3 . 3

EnvironmentalAwareness

Do you consciously think about theland you walk on, the water youdrink, and the air you breathe?Because you depend on these andother precious natural resources in life,it makes sense to value and protectthem.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Ecology is a science that deals with the relationshipsbetween living things and the environment. Ecologistsstudy what happens when natural resources are misusedand natural cycles are disturbed. Ecologists and other sci-entists agree that a number of environmental issues poseserious challenges to health, safety, quality of life, and theeconomy. They include:

• Depleting nonrenewable resources. Naturalresources fall into two categories. Renewable resources,such as plants, trees, water, soil, and air, replace them-selves by natural cycles over time. Nonrenewableresources are natural resources that cannot replacethemselves. Once they are gone, there will never be anymore. Fossil fuels—energy sources formed in the earth,such as coal, oil, and natural gas—are one form of

Objectives

After studying this section, you should be able to:• Evaluate the impact of

environmental issues.• Describe the role of govern-

ment and consumers in protect-ing the environment.

• Explain ways to conserve natural resources.

Key Termsecologyrenewable resourcesnonrenewable resourcesfossil fuelsbiodegradableconservation

85


biodegradable, which means they candecompose naturally in the environment,many items in landfills remain intact forhundreds of years. Landfills in some areasare rapidly filling up with waste, and landfor such use is becoming scarce. In addi-tion, some waste products—such asmotor oil, pesticides, household cleaners,batteries, and paints—release poisons intothe land, air, and water supply.

GOVERNMENT’S ROLEFinding solutions to environmental prob-

lems is a challenge that requires the coordi-nated efforts of people all over the world.There are many approaches to conserva-tion, the careful management and protectionof valuable natural resources to ensure theirquality and longevity. Both governments andconsumers have a role to play. Federal, state,and local governments can act to protect theenvironment using means such as:

• Restrictions and penalties. For exam-ple, the Clean Water Act and the Clean AirAct regulate the amount of pollutants thatcan be discharged into the water and air.Fines can be imposed on polluters.

nonrenewable resource. Heavy use of fos-sil fuels increases the chance that the sup-ply will be depleted, or used up, beforealternatives are found.

• Water pollution. Although water is arenewable resource, its supply is limited.Only 1 percent of the world’s water isfreshwater. Most of it comes fromgroundwater located deep in the earth.This water supply is increasingly beingcontaminated by toxic, or poisonous,chemicals from factories, pesticides, andother sources. The contamination is diffi-cult and costly to clean up.

• Air pollution. Each day tons of dust andchemicals are dumped into the air youbreathe. Air pollutants have been linked tocancer, birth defects, and lung and nerv-ous system damage in humans, as well asto disease and death in animals andplants. Air pollution can lead to otherenvironmental problems such as acidrain, global warming, and depletion of theozone layer.

• Waste disposal. Millions of tons ofgarbage wind up in landfills and incinera-tors each year. While some substances are

DOLLARSandSENSE

Environmental problems are costly to con-sumers. Cleaning up polluted water, land, andair costs taxpayers millions of dollars everyyear. It also creates costs for industries, lead-ing to higher consumer prices for manufac-tured goods. As resources such as water and

fossil fuels become scarce, their prices risetoo. The more waste piles up, the higher thecosts of disposal and handling. Thus, whenyou make environmentally responsible choices,you’re being economically wise as well.

The Costs of Environmental Problems

Section 3.3 Environmental Awareness • 87

• Incentives. The government can offermonetary incentives, such as tax credits,to businesses and consumers that imple-ment energy conservation measures.

• Funding. Lawmakers can provide moneyfor projects that help the environment.For example, they can use taxpayers’money to fund research and developmentof alternative energy sources such as solar,geothermal, hydroelectric, and windpower.

• International efforts. The governmentworks with other countries to createagreements to limit waste and pollution.

• Agency coordination. The Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA), an inde-pendent agency within the U.S. govern-ment, was established in 1970. Its missionis to protect human health and to safe-guard the natural environment. Itenforces environmental laws and assistsstates in environmental protection efforts.It also conducts scientific research andeducation to advance the nation’s under-standing of environmental issues.

WHAT YOU CAN DOConsumers play a role in creating environ-

mental problems, and therefore have a per-sonal responsibility to help solve them. Everyindividual must do his or her part. Con-sumers can work with their government andcommunity to conserve resources. They canbecome informed about environmentalthreats and what steps they can take to reducethem. They can also vote for governmentleaders who are committed to conservation.

Many consumers work actively for envi-ronmental causes. Teens have been at theforefront of the environmental movementfor decades. They’ve started ecology clubsand created recycling programs in their com-munities. They’ve cleaned up trash-cloggedrivers and lobbied government officials topass tougher laws to protect the earth.

Even simple, everyday habits can helpprotect the environment. Here are just a fewideas—you can probably come up withmore.

For more information about environmental issues, you can contact a number ofagencies and organizations. Find their addresses at the library or visit their officialWeb sites.• Federal agencies: Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Conserva-

tion Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of LandManagement, National Park Service.

• Environmental groups: Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, NatureConservancy, Sierra Club, and others.

Environmental Issues


• Drive less. Walk,ride a bike, carpool,or use public trans-portation when youcan.

ConserveWater

People who live in areas affected by watershortages have learned to become moreaware of their water use. No matter whereyou live, you can do your part by using onlyas much water as you need. For example,don’t run water the entire time you’re brush-ing your teeth or washing dishes. Everyminute a faucet runs, two gallons of water godown the drain. Fix leaky faucets, especially ifthey are leaking hot water. Take quick show-ers instead of baths—you’ll use one-fifth thewater. Many families install faucet flowrestrictors and low-flow showerheads to con-serve both water and energy. See Figure 3-9.

Cut Down on WasteFamilies and individuals can cut down on

the amount of waste sent to landfills. Followthe three R’s:

• Reduce. When you purchase and useproducts, reduce waste right from thestart. Some people call this precycling. Forinstance, avoid products packaged inunnecessary layers of material. Cut downon food waste. Reduce your use of dispos-able products, such as paper cups.

Conserve EnergyMany environmental problems result

from the use of fossil fuels. Cutting back onenergy consumption is one of the best thingsyou can do to help the environment.

• Use less heat and air conditioning.Set the thermostat lower during heatingseason and higher during cooling season.Close vents and registers in unused roomsand keep the doors closed.

• Use less hot water. Turn your waterheater temperature down. Wash clothes inwarm or cold water and rinse in cold. Rundishwashers only with full loads.

• Use lights wisely. Remember to turnoff lights when they’re not needed. Trycompact fluorescent bulbs—they lastlonger than standard incandescent bulbsand use less electricity.

TEXTLINK

You can findadditional

ideas for con-serving energyin Section 23.5.

3-9

Besides wasting water and energy,

leaving the faucet on sends your money

down the drain in the form of higher

power, water, and sewer bills. What else

can you do to cut back your water use?

Section 3.3 Environmental Awareness • 89

• Reuse. Using products and containersmore than once cuts down on the need todiscard and replace items. Save usedprinter paper—you can print or write onthe back of it. Instead of buying contain-ers to store leftovers, use empty glass jarsthat you’ve washed out.

• Recycle. Make use of your community’srecycling programs for paper, aluminum,plastics, and glass. Buy products that aremade of recycled materials. See Figure 3-10.

Be Cautious with Chemicals

Many household products, ranging fromcleaning agents to paint to batteries, can con-taminate the environment and pose a hazardto health and safety. You can help reduce thisproblem by making responsible choices. Forhousehold cleaning, products such as vin-egar and baking soda are safe, inexpensivealternatives to harsh chemicals. Use organicfertilizers and nonchemical pest controls inthe lawn and garden. If you must use chemi-cals, buy only as much as you need and willuse up. Store products properly, and takecare to avoid spills.

Certain products, including spent batter-ies, empty paint cans, and some householdcleaner containers, cannot be disposed of in

landfills because of the danger they pose tothe environment. Contact your community’swaste disposal company to find out aboutsafe disposal.

Section 3.3 Review


1. Explain two environmental concernsassociated with the use of fossil fuels.

2. Describe two ways in which the govern-ment acts to protect the environment.

3. Choose an environmental problem. Listthree things consumers can do to helpreduce it.

CONSUMER APPLICATIONConservation Essay What do you do thatwastes natural resources? What changes canyou make to conserve these resources?What responsibility do you feel to others—including future generations—to conserveresources? Write a one-page essay answer-ing these questions.

3-10

This symbol indicates that a product is made at

least partly of recycled materials. A similar symbol,

three arrows that are not inside a circle, means that

the product can be recycled.

1. How can you be a courteous consumer whenshopping in a supermarket? (3.1)

2. How does shoplifting violate consumerethics? (3.1)

3. How might fare beating affect paying con-sumers? (3.1)

4. Give an example of an ethical issue that con-sumers might face. (3.1)

5. What is naturalization? (3.2) 6. Why is it important to serve on a jury when

called? (3.2)7. Does vandalism in another part of town affect

your family? Explain. (3.2)8. Describe two types of volunteer service and

explain how they help the community. (3.2)9. How can you develop leadership skills as a

volunteer? (3.2)10. How could cooperation, teamwork, and lead-

ership skills benefit you? (3.2)11. What environmental issues are brought up

when studying ecology? (3.3)12. Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable

resources? (3.3)13. Why is waste disposal becoming a matter of

increasing concern? (3.3)14. What is the advantage of using biodegradable

substances? (3.3)15. How does conservation help the environ-

ment? (3.3)16. What is the mission of the Environmental Pro-

tection Agency? (3.3)17. Explain the three R’s of waste reduction. (3.3)

C H A P T E R S U M M A R Y

•Ethical principles include respect, responsibil-ity, honesty, and courtesy. Consumer dishon-esty harms businesses and consumers. (3.1)

•Performing civic duties and taking responsi-bility in your community are part of being agood citizen. Serving the community is agood way to develop cooperation, teamwork,and leadership skills. (3.2)

•Environmental issues affect all people, lifeforms, land, air, and water. Both governmentsand consumers have roles in conservingresources and protecting the environment.(3.3)

A Sour Note? One of Paul’s friends tellshim about a Web site where he can down-load music files by some of his favoritegroups for free. Paul visits the site and sus-pects the downloads are illegal. How can helearn whether his suspicions are correct?What action should he take if they are? (3.1)


Review & Activities • 91

1. Consumer Courtesy: How would you respondin these situations and why? a) In the super-market, you see a customer leave a frozenpackage on a cereal shelf. b) You receive a cell-phone call in a medical waiting room. c) Youwalk into a fitting room and see two garmentslying on the floor. (3.1)

2. Making Judgments: What should you do ifyou see someone shoplifting or vandalizingproperty? Is it your business or not? Shouldyou confront the person or report the inci-dent? Explain your answer. (3.1, 3.2)

3. Analyzing Economic Concepts: How canconsumers use their power and influence to decrease the amount of environmental pollution? (3.3)

1. Intellectual Property: Research intellectualproperty issues, such as plagiarism or copy-right violation. Create a personal code ofethics regarding the use of intellectual prop-erty. Place it where you will see it when you doyour homework. (3.1)

2. Organization Investigation: Using onlineresources, identify a youth or professionalorganization in an area of interest to you, suchas 4H or Future Teachers of America. What arethe roles and responsibilities of its members?What is its purpose and function? Report yourfindings. (3.2)

• Family: Observe the ways your familymembers use water and energy and cre-ate waste for three days. As a family,discuss what you observed. Couldresources have been reduced, reused, orrecycled? Develop a plan to conserveresources more effectively. (3.3)

• Community: With your class, choose acommunity organization that providesvaluable services. Using the FCCLA Plan-ning Process, plan and implement a vol-unteer event for the organization. (3.2)

3. Community Resources: Contact a person incharge of a community resource, such as apublic swimming pool or library. Inquireabout the effects of vandalism on the facility,including cleanup, repair, and preventioncosts; whether vandalism discourages publicuse; and what citizens can do to remedy theproblem. Report your findings. (3.2)

4. Calculating Water Waste: Suppose you brushyour teeth for two minutes with the water run-ning. Each minute, two gallons of water godown the drain. Assuming you brush threetimes a day, how many gallons of water areused each year while you brush? How manygallons would you save each year if you ran thewater for only half a minute? (3.3)

Documents

Chapter 3: Responsible Choices